Installing A Swinging Butler Door

Swinging Hinge Door

On this project I was tasked with installing a swinging butler door. We had to change out a 6-panel solid wood swinging “Butlers Door” with a 15-lite [15 panes of glass] door.

A “Butler Hinge” is also called a “Swinging Door Hinge,” and a “Double Acting Floor Hinge.”

It is a floor mounted hinge with spring tension that allows a door to swing in or out of a room and return to the closed position when let go.

The door, shown above and below, separates the kitchen from the formal dining room.

Sandra Stout from Creative Design solutions [978-505-7447] worked with the homeowner on this project.

The desired goal was to install a clear glass door to allow more light to pass between rooms and create a “larger room effect.”

The doors existing hardware has a mortised, double acting spring pivot “Butlers” hinge and was in great condition and of good quality. We decided to reuse it – shown below with a brass decorative cover plate.

The Butler hinges that my lumber yard carry look a similar but had a different pivot point than this door had.

Below is a picture of newer hardware. In my opinion the older hinge feels way more beefy and looks of better quality than the newer sold models. The only exception to what I feel may be less quality was comparing the top pivot plate. The newer version top pivot plate seems beefier. [see below pictures]

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About the author

Robert Robillard

Carpenter / Remodeler / Editor / Writer / Video Talent

Robert Robillard is a general contractor, carpenter and operates a remodeling company located in Concord, MA. He is the editor of ConcordCarpenter.com and ToolBoxBuzz, and a has a weekly column in the Sunday Boston Globe. Rob is a recognized leader in tool and how-to information for building professionals, he hosts the Concord Carpenter Cable TV Show, offering advice on home repairs and maintenance. On his website, Rob uses his knowledge and experience to help and educate on best practices in the remodeling industry. His motto: “Well done is better than well said!”. Contact Rob at: info@aconcordcarpenter.com

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Do you know if these hinges allow the door to stay fixed in the open position? I remember that the one in our house growing up could be pushed 90 degrees from the closed position, and stay that way, but the (old) one in our house right now won't do that.

I will be installing an old (c. 1910) swinging door I found in my house's attic. The bottom hinge is on the door and looks OK. The top pivot is missing. I ordered a new one like the one you pictured here which I will mortise into the door jamb. The bottom hinge plate has a square dimple that will require a cutout in the floor. What's the procedure for installing the door? Do I install the top pivot to the top door jamb and tilt the door in? Any tips for how to locate correct position for the top pivot? Thanks.